TURN ON, TUNE IN OR MISS OUT

Sunday

“Peter Benchley’s Creature” / 9 p.m. ABC; concludes Monday

Just when you thought it was safe to watch another Benchley project, here comes this silly schlock about an amphibious predator. The two-part thriller, which would be just as lame at half the length, is a tedious cross between the author’s own “Jaws” and “The Creature From the Black Lagoon.” Craig T. Nelson plays a researcher who discovers the titular monstrosity, a government-bred hybrid of shark, dolphin and human that resembles the old Hanna-Barbera cartoon character Jabberjaw.

****

“The X-Files” / 9 p.m. Fox

As any X-Phile will tell you, the truth will soon be out there. Yes, this week’s season finale serves as a teaser for the big-budget feature film arriving at your local multiplex on June 19. That’s the highly anticipated thriller in which creator Chris Carter has promised answers to the plethora of questions we’ve had surrounding the paranormal exploits of FBI agents Mulder and Scully. Not all the answers, mind you. Otherwise, why tune in again when the series returns anew come fall?

Monday

“Everybody Loves Raymond” / 8:30 p.m. CBS

Count me among those who love this uproarious comedy about a neurotic sports columnist and his dysfunctional family. The splendid two-part season finale, which began last week, wraps up with a sweet, unpredictable and very funny flashback in which Ray (Ray Romano) marries the feisty Debra (Patricia Heaton). As always, Romano and Heaton are terrific, and if Heaton doesn’t get an Emmy nomination for her work this year, there’s no justice in this town!

****

“The Virtual Ed Sullivan Show” / 9 p.m. UPN

“A Really Big Show: Ed Sullivan’s 50th Anniversary” / 10 p.m. CBS

Fans of the late impressario get two sweeps specials, the latter offering clips from his landmark variety show that ran for a remarkable 23 years (1948-71). The UPN show features comedian John Byner (performing Virtual Ed’s voice and body movements) and such guests as violinist Sarah Chang and magician Ricky Jay. The Smothers Brothers host the CBS hour spotlighting segments on rockers (Bill Haley, Fats Domino, the Beatles), comics (George Carlin, Rodney Dangerfield) and luminaries (Brando, Bogart, Cagney). S-all right? S-all right!

****

“Murphy Brown” / 9 p.m. CBS

After 10 years and 245 episodes, that’s a wrap for this sturdy sitcom. Few will argue that the tart yet strident comedy should have gone down when it was on top, a la “Seinfeld.” Nonetheless, this season gave producers a chance to deal with the damaging effects of cancer on its hard-nosed and headstrong protagonist played by Candice Bergen. Creator Diane English wrote the series finale, an hour featuring guest shots by Bette Midler, Julia Roberts, Mike Wallace, Robert Pastorelli, Pat Corley and Alan King (oh God!) as the Almighty.

Tuesday

“Dawson’s Creek” / 9 p.m. WB

This midseason hit from “Scream” writer Kevin Williamson made its mark on young viewers thanks in large part to attractive, articulate characters. And the show’s racy young man-older woman story line certainly didn’t hurt its ratings. In the somber season finale, Joey (Katie Holmes) is offered a scholarship in Paris, Jen (Michelle Williams) deals with a death in the family and emotionally torn Dawson (James Van Der Beek), who has intense feelings for both, finally chooses between them.

Wednesday

“Sonny & Me: Cher Remembers” / 8 p.m. CBS

Most couples on television would kill for the chemistry effortlessly mustered by Sonny and Cher, who worked their on-screen magic during the ‘70s on CBS. In this hourlong special, the singer and actress recalls their first meeting and subsequent relationship. The program also interweaves clips from the duo’s early TV performances with footage of their years on tour. Included are highlights from “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour” (1971-74) and “The Sonny and Cher Show” (1976-77). And the beat goes on.

****

“Law & Order” / 10 p.m. NBC

Cast changes are par for the course on this crackling cops-and-lawyers drama, an Emmy winner whose timely, twisting and scintillating scripts have compensated for the losses of seven regulars over eight years. The latest departee is Carey Lowell as assistant D.A. Jamie Ross, who in the season finale meets a new love interest while her ex-husband attempts to win custody of their daughter. Lowell is leaving the show to spend more time with her daughter.